Nodular fasciitis of the breast

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a rare, benign myofibroblastic proliferation that is often misinterpreted as a malignancy due to its rapid growth. NF of the breast is an exceptionally uncommon entity, presenting significant diagnostic challenges. This report details the case of a young woman in her early 20s who presented with a rapidly enlarging right breast mass, initially categorised as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS)-III, which progressed to BIRADS-IVA within 3 months. Core needle biopsy identified a spindle cell neoplasm, with subsequent histopathological evaluation confirming NF through Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (ASMA) positivity. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy, leading to complete resolution and alleviation of initial concerns regarding malignancy. This case underscores the necessity of including NF in the differential diagnosis of spindle cell lesions of the breast to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary aggressive interventions. A comprehensive understanding of its clinical presentation and pathological characteristics is essential for optimising diagnostic accuracy and ensuring appropriate management.

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Publication Details

Journal
BMJ Case Reports
Published
2026-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2025-266209
Primary Topic
Soft tissue tumor case studies
Type
article
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article

Nodular fasciitis of the breast

Kulsoom Shaikh, Arham Manzoor, Sana Zeeshan, Nasir Ud Din
BMJ Case Reports
Soft tissue tumor case studies
article

Nodular fasciitis of the breast

Kulsoom Shaikh, Arham Manzoor, Sana Zeeshan, Nasir Ud Din
article en

Abstract

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a rare, benign myofibroblastic proliferation that is often misinterpreted as a malignancy due to its rapid growth. NF of the breast is an exceptionally uncommon entity, presenting significant diagnostic challenges. This report details the case of a young woman in her early 20s who presented with a rapidly enlarging right breast mass, initially categorised as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS)-III, which progressed to BIRADS-IVA within 3 months. Core needle biopsy identified a spindle cell neoplasm, with subsequent histopathological evaluation confirming NF through Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (ASMA) positivity. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy, leading to complete resolution and alleviation of initial concerns regarding malignancy. This case underscores the necessity of including NF in the differential diagnosis of spindle cell lesions of the breast to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary aggressive interventions. A comprehensive understanding of its clinical presentation and pathological characteristics is essential for optimising diagnostic accuracy and ensuring appropriate management.

BMJ Case ReportsVol. 19(1)
Aga Khan University (PK)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 93%
Soft tissue tumor case studies
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Nodular fasciitis of the breast — Kulsoom Shaikh, Arham Manzoor, et al. · BMJ Case Reports (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS